UAAP: Jorick Bautista overcomes struggles to lead first FEU win

FEU guard Jorick Bautista during a game against Ateneo in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — For three quarters, Far Eastern University guard Jorick Bautista was having a hard time getting into his rhythm against Ateneo on Sunday night.

But his offensive struggles never discouraged him as he kept his focus and continued to play the right way. And that allowed Bautista to snap out of his slump just in time to deliver the Tamaraws their first win after opening UAAP Season 87 with five consecutive losses.

“Sinabi ko lang sa sarili ko na gumawa lang ako ng tama kasi alam kong ire-reward ako sa huli. Yun nga na-reward ako composed lang at ginawa ko lang yung trabaho ko sa court. I’m struggling pero dumepensa ako doon ako kumuha ng kumpiyansa ko sa huli,” said the third-year player.

READ: UAAP: FEU outlasts Ateneo in OT for its first win

Bautista and Chambers preach patience for the young Tamaraws. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/68hPcMmiBe

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 29, 2024

Bautista exploded for 14 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to push FEU past Ateneo, 66-65, in dramatic fashion.

“Trinabaho talaga namin yung mga extra work namin actually nag-shoot around pa nga kami kaninang umaga kasi yun yung gusto ni coach Sean (Chambers) sa amin sanayin namin yung shoot around which is lumabas yung laro nagbunga yung mga pagod namin sa training,” said Bautista, who scored eight of the Tamaraws’ first 10 points in OT.

READ: UAAP: Rookie ‘happy’ with Baldwin praise, focused on helping FEU win

Bautista, one of the few mainstays for the rookie-laden Tamaraws, said he wanted to set an example to his young teammates especially Veejay Pre and Janrey Pasaol.

“As a leader, siyempre unang una maging role model nila kasi sa amin sila tumitingin kung gumagawa kami ng tama. Yun yung iniimprove ko sa sarili nila na maging leader pa at kuya sa kanila,” he said 

After finally entering the win column, FEU hopes to get a streak going against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.